Folium Rhapisi Excelsae
Aliases：Jīn Tóu Zhú (Sinew-head Bamboo), Zōng Shù (Palm Tree), Měi Sān; Guān Yīn Zhú (Guanyin Bamboo), Zōng Lǘ Zhú (Palm Bamboo), Ǎi Zōng Zhú (Dwarf Palm Bamboo); Hǔ Sàn Zhú (Tiger-dispersing Bamboo), Zhú Yè Zōng (Bamboo-leaf Palm).
Zōng Zhú (Palm Leaf) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It is the leaf of Rhapis excelsa (Thunb.) Henry ex Rehd., a plant belonging to the family Palmae. This plant is a clustered shrub, 2–3 meters tall, with a cylindrical, jointed stem and brown, reticulate, coarse fibrous leaf sheaths on the upper part. The leaves are palmately deeply divided into 4–10 lobes. It was first recorded in the Dictionary of Chinese Seed Plant Families and Genera.
Efficacy & Actions
Astringes to stop bleeding. It is also recorded as cooling the blood to stop bleeding.
Indications
Indicated for epistaxis (nosebleed), hemoptysis (coughing up blood), hematemesis (vomiting blood), and postpartum hemorrhage. Fujian Materia Medica records: "Cools the blood and stops bleeding. Indicated for hematemesis, epistaxis, and hemoptysis."
Modern Pharmacology
Hemostatic effects: Clinical studies have shown a total effective rate of 90.91% for treating epistaxis (nosebleed) and 85.71% for treating hemoptysis (coughing up blood). Antibacterial effects: The water decoction exhibits certain inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Shigella. Anti-inflammatory effects: The water decoction inhibits granuloma formation in mice. Antioxidant effects: Scavenges DPPH free radicals and inhibits lipid peroxidation. Hypoglycemic effects: Lowers blood glucose levels in normal mice. Lipid-lowering effects: Reduces serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in hyperlipidemic mice. Antitumor effects: Exhibits certain inhibitory effects on sarcoma-180 in mice. In addition, the root of Zōng Zhú also possesses analgesic effects.
Ingredients
Leaves contain: Saponaretin (isovitexin), methylprotodioscin, methyl proto-pb, and methyl protorhapissaponin. Roots (underground parts) contain: Dioscin, methyl protodioscin, and methyl proto Ph.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: char, grind into powder, and take with water, 3–6 g. May also be decocted in water and taken, 3–6 g. For external use: apply an appropriate amount, ground into powder and sprinkled on, or mixed and applied topically.
Contraindications
Use with caution in patients with Spleen-Stomach weakness.
Selected Formulas
For epistaxis, hemoptysis, and hematemesis (empirical formula) Take 3–6g of Zongzhu (Rhapis excelsa), calcine into charcoal, grind into powder and take with water, or decoct in water and drink. For excessive postpartum bleeding (empirical formula) Take 3–6g of Zongzhu, calcine into charcoal, grind into powder, and take with water. For urinary retention (Fujian Materia Medica) Take 30–90g of fresh Zongzhu root and 30–60g of pig tail or pig trotters. Decoct in water and take in 2–3 divided doses, for 9–16 consecutive days. For wind-dampness impediment with pain (empirical formula) Take 30g of Zongzhu root, decoct in water and drink one dose daily.
Daily Consumption
Tea: Take 3–6 g of Zōng Zhú, place it in a cup, add boiling water, and steep for 5 minutes before drinking. It helps clear heat, detoxify, and stop bleeding. Congee: Wash and chop the root of Zōng Zhú, add water and bring to a boil, then add rice and cook into congee, seasoning with a little salt. It helps dispel wind-dampness and strengthen the Spleen and Stomach.
Medicinal Parts
The leaf is used medicinally, and its root (Zōng Zhú Gēn) is also used medicinally.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place.
